If you’re looking at the NBC show lineup tonight, you probably noticed something a bit weird. Usually, Saturday nights on NBC are a mix of local news, maybe a random movie, or a Dateline repeat that you’ve definitely seen four times already. But tonight—Saturday, January 17, 2026—is actually kind of a big deal for the network. It’s the first real "new year" reset for their late-night crown jewel, and the primetime schedule is doing some heavy lifting before we get to the main event.
Let's be honest: most people tune into NBC on Saturdays for one reason, and that’s Saturday Night Live. But the path to 11:30 PM is actually paved with some decent true crime and a game show that’s surprisingly tense if you’re into watching people lose large sums of money.
The Primetime Breakdown: Crime and Cash
Before the sketches start, NBC is sticking to its bread and butter.
Starting at 8:00 PM ET, we’ve got The Wall. Specifically, it’s Season 6, Episode 1 featuring Steven and Seth. If you haven't watched this in a while, it’s basically Plinko on steroids with a side of emotional manipulation. Steven is a cop who worked at the Pentagon during 9/11, so expect the "human interest" factor to be cranked up to eleven. It’s the kind of TV you leave on while you’re ordering pizza.
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Then, at 9:00 PM ET, the mood shifts. Dateline NBC is airing "Fire & Ice." This isn’t a new-new episode—it’s a Season 31 classic from the archives—but it’s a heavy one. It covers a house fire in a Toronto suburb where firefighters found something much worse than smoke damage. If you're a true crime junkie, you know the drill: Keith Morrison or Lester Holt giving you that "but did they really know their neighbor?" vibe.
The Main Event: Finn Wolfhard’s SNL Debut
The real reason the NBC show lineup tonight is trending is the 11:29 PM slot. Saturday Night Live is finally back from its four-week holiday hiatus. This isn’t just any mid-season return, though. It’s the first episode of 2026, and the energy in Studio 8H is likely going to be frantic.
Finn Wolfhard is hosting.
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It’s wild to think he’s only now making his hosting debut. He’s been in the Lorne Michaels orbit for years—honestly, he’s probably been on The Tonight Show more than some of the actual NBC employees—but tonight is his first time at the podium. Joining him is A$AP Rocky as the musical guest. It’s a high-profile pairing that feels very "Internet-breaking," which is exactly what NBC wants to kick off the second half of Season 51.
Why Tonight Feels Different for SNL
There is a bit of a "changing of the guard" feeling tonight. If you followed the show through December, you know Bowen Yang officially moved on after the Ariana Grande episode. That’s a massive hole to fill. Yang was arguably the "main character" of the show for the last few seasons.
Word on the street (and by street, I mean the comedy nerds at Latenighter) is that the show might be looking to fill that vacancy sooner rather than later. Whether we see a brand-new featured player tonight or just more screen time for rookies like Jeremy Culhane and Ben Marshall is the big question. SNL doesn't usually add cast members in January, but they did it with Sasheer Zamata back in 2014, so it's not impossible.
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What about the NFL?
I saw a few people asking if the NFL Divisional Playoffs were on NBC tonight. The short answer is: No. While NBC is the home of Sunday Night Football, tonight’s games are split between CBS and Fox.
- 4:30 PM ET: Bills vs. Broncos (CBS)
- 8:00 PM ET: 49ers vs. Seahawks (Fox)
NBC is saving its football energy for tomorrow, January 18, when they’ll have the Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears at 6:30 PM ET. So, if you’re looking for pads and helmets tonight, you’ve got to switch channels. But if you want to see if Finn Wolfhard can actually do a convincing accent in a digital short, stay put.
How to Watch the Lineup
You’ve got options, but they vary depending on how much you pay for "the cable."
- Antenna/Cable: Just tune into your local NBC affiliate.
- Peacock: You can stream the whole thing live if you have a Premium+ subscription. This is usually the smoothest way to watch SNL if you’ve already cut the cord.
- Hulu + Live TV / YouTube TV: These work just like cable.
Actionable Tips for Your Saturday Night
If you're planning to catch the NBC show lineup tonight, here is the best way to handle it:
- Skip the 10:00 PM slot: Most local stations run news or syndicated repeats here. It’s the perfect time to go grab snacks or finally fold that laundry.
- Set the DVR for 11:29 PM: SNL starts at a weird time. It’s not 11:30 sharp; it’s 11:29:30. Don't miss the cold open.
- Check Peacock for the "Vintage" episode: At 10:00 PM, NBC often airs an old SNL episode. Tonight is the December 2025 Ariana Grande/Cher episode. If you missed that one, it’s worth a watch just for the musical performances.
Tonight is basically the "soft launch" of the 2026 TV season. It’s a mix of comfortable true crime and the high-stakes debut of a young star. Grab your remote, keep the pizza guy on speed dial, and settle in.